University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is lined with iconic structures from the President’s Mansion to Bryant-Denny Stadium and the homes on Caplewood Drive Historic District. But an equally beautiful, Greek Revival-style building has been on the corner of University Boulevard and Queen City Avenue for nearly 185 years and has quite a history.

Alabama’s tenth governor, Arthur Pendleton Bagby, resided in the home during his term when Tuscaloosa was the state capital. At the time, the State of Alabama did not provide a residence for governors like it does today. Governor Bagby was the only known governor to live in the home, but the nickname Governor’s Mansion still sticks with the residence today.

Just over 100 years later in 1939, the home was transformed into an office building when Dr. J.M. Forney purchased the home. In 1943 the office building shifted once again into a facility for former service members after World War II known as the Tuscaloosa Service Center. The center, established by the Tuscaloosa Junior Chamber of Commerce, was a hosting place for Army and Air Corps in training around the region.

In 1944 a partnership between the University of Alabama and the Warner family of Tuscaloosa resulted in the opening of a “social center for faculty and staff” of the university. From the forties until today, the club has gone through extensive renovations and remodels to preserve the home’s unique history. In 1972 the Alabama Historical Association recognized the University Club as historically important.​Today, the home continues to be a Tuscaloosa icon as it serves a new purpose in education as an internship opportunity for Restaurant, Hotel, and Meeting Management students.

About the Author

Alley Paquin is a senior majoring in Journalism with a minor in Political Science. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, she moved around the south before settling in Dallas. Alley serves on the Panhellenic Executive Council at the University of Alabama and is an active member of her sorority. She enjoys reading about politics and traveling the world to experience new cultures firsthand. Alley is hoping to attend law school following graduation in May.

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